Malaysia Lifting Several Coronavirus-Related Travel Restrictions

Image: Scenic view of Bohey Dulang Islands, and ancient volcano in Tun Sakaran Marine National park, Semporna, Sabah Borneo, Malaysia.  (photo via Cn0ra / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Scenic view of Bohey Dulang Islands, and ancient volcano in Tun Sakaran Marine National park, Semporna, Sabah Borneo, Malaysia. (photo via Cn0ra / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:16 PM ET, Tue March 8, 2022

Government officials in Malaysia announced many of the coronavirus-related travel restrictions that have been in place for the last two years would be lifted on April 1.

According to The Associated Press, Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob revealed that fully vaccinated international travelers would no longer be required to quarantine upon arrival in the country.

International tourists will still need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken less than two days before traveling, as well as another negative test taken within 24 hours of their arrival.

While masks will still be mandated in public areas and all visitors must download and use a government cellphone app, restrictions on opening hours and capacities for businesses and events involving large crowds will also be lifted.

Malaysia shut down its borders to international travel in March 2020, but Ismail cited the country's "high vaccination rate, low hospital bed usage by coronavirus patients and small percentage of serious cases" when defending the decision to reopen.

"The move allows us all to return back to an almost normal life after almost two years at war with COVID-19," Prime Minister Yaakob said. "Most importantly, Malaysia is now an open destination."

The country is a paradise of flavors, aromas and unique tastes that can be found in every corner of its gastronomic pursuits from street food to fine dining. Here is TravelPulse's breakdown of the top foods to try when visiting Malaysia.

For the latest insights on travel to Malaysia, check out the guide below:


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...
Upcoming Webinar
Your New Era with TrafalgarThursday, September 17, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Trafalgar’s new era is taking shape. Join us on September 17 to learn about "Your New Era" with...
Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...
Upcoming Webinar
Your New Era with TrafalgarThursday, September 17, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Trafalgar’s new era is taking shape. Join us on September 17 to learn about "Your New Era" with...